Every year, authorities in Michigan release year end traffic car crash statistics reports in the hopes that the upcoming year would be better.

Two of the best sources for these data would be the Michigan State Police and the Michigan Traffic Crash Facts organization.

If you are a resident in any of the counties in Michigan, it would be in your best interest to keep updated of these facts. You’ll never know just when being alert and vigilant may help you avoid getting involved in a car crash in the future.

Highest Overall Statistics

Of the 83 counties in Michigan, Wayne County had the highest number of statistics caused by car crashes with a total of 54,920.

Statistics showed that 145 were fatal, 14,136 were injuries, and 42,612 were damage to property. Most of the crashes occurred in trafficway in local streets (31,605) followed by state routes (10,311). US routes recorded the least number of crashes in Wayne County (3,708) followed by the interstate (9,233).

Highest Fatality Rate

Although Wayne County had the highest number of traffic fatality, adjustment of the data for population size showed that the leading traffic-fatality rate can be credited for Luce County, which has the smallest population in Michigan.

Comparatively, this meant that there were 4.7 fatalities (3 individuals) for a population of 10,000 in Luce County compared to 0.9 fatalities (159 individuals) in Wayne County, which is considered as the most populated county in Michigan.

Top Five Counties

Among the list of counties that have also recorded a high rate of fatality due to traffic are:

Oakland County (68 individuals)

Kent County (65 individuals)

Macomb County (41 individuals)

Genesee County (38 individuals)

Washenaw County (37 individuals)

Age Range and Gender

The statistics also covered data based on age range and gender of the individuals involved.

The data showed that the highest fatality occurred between 25 and 34 years old among males (284 individuals) and females (156 individuals) with most of the car crashes resulting in driver fatality.

Individuals aged between 45 and 54 years of age are recorded to be next on the list with 222 fatalities for males and 107 fatalities for females.

Hazardous Action

Drivers failing to stop in time had the highest total of car crash record at 75,830. However, the highest number of fatalities (161 individuals) were recorded for car crashes where drivers drove too fast or went beyond the speed limit.

The second highest statistics for car crashes was when drivers failed to yield with a whopping record of 46,812. However, the second highest fatality due to car crashes was identified as an “unknown” hazardous action where a total of 139 individuals were recorded.

Other Factors

The available statistical data also covers other criteria such as:

Trafficway

Vehicle type

Restraint or Airbag Present

Crash Type

Driver Distraction

Further Break Down

Closer investigation of the obtained data showed that not all fatalities were drivers. The other fatalities included:

Bicycle Rider (21 individuals)

Teenagers (64 individuals)

Motorcycle Riders (137 individuals)

Pedestrians (158 individuals)

Commercial motor vehicle crashes (95 individuals)

Deer crashes (17 individuals)

Overall, authorities have reported that traffic fatalities in Michigan decreased by 3%. Unfortunately, the number of fatalities due to drunk-driving has significantly increased by 32% in 2017 compared to the data recorded in 2016.

If there is anything worth proving with these data, it is the fact that the roads in Michigan can be quite deadly whether you are a driver, a passenger, or simply a pedestrian.

As a driver, the best way for you to take part in making the roads safe, regardless of the state you are in, is to practice safe and responsible driving. Remember that you not only owe it to yourself to be safe but also to your fellow man

Expert studies have shown that death of children aged between 1 and 13 years of age are caused by fatal car accidents. Despite the existence of state laws requiring adults to install car seats for children, it is sad to know that not everyone follows this rule to the letter.

In Michigan, experts agree that the rate of injuries and deaths among children involved in car accidents could be lower or prevented altogether only if car and booster seats would have been properly installed. For the older children, having them wear seat belts would have been the best preventive measure.

There is more to just simply installing a car or booster seat inside your vehicle. Read on.

Basic Rules

Car seats should be installed in the back seats if the child is 2 to 4 years old.

In case the back seat is not available, for any reason whatsoever, children aged 0-4 years old may ride in the front seat using a rear facing car seat but the air bag on the front passenger seat should be disabled or turned off.

If the child is aged from 0 to 2 years, they should be in a rear-facing car seat that is installed in the back seat.

Children aged more than 4 years old but no younger than 8 years old should be in a car booster seat that is also installed in the vehicle’s back seat. If the child is taller than 4 feet, he or she should be in a car booster seat.

If the child is big enough to ride without a car booster seat, they should ride in the back seat and properly secured in with a seat belt that has been adjusted to their height.

The best place to install a car seat or booster seat would be in the middle of the back seat.

Penalties for Failing to Comply

If you are found guilty of driving with children in your vehicle that are not properly secured in a car seat, a booster seat, or even the generic seat belt, be prepared to be issued a ticket since this is considered as a violation of Michigan’s child-passenger safety laws.

If found guilty, the fine can differ depending on the judge presiding the court at the time of the hearing.

Violators would also be required to produce proof that you rectified the issue by providing a car seat or booster seat, which you would need to present to the judge during the hearing.

Exercising Caution

A number of adults have, honestly, decided to forego the use of car seats or booster seats since they find it time consuming while others keep having issues during installation. Michigan has responded to this concern by training local authorities in installation procedures (regardless of the brand).

Go one step further and add a “Baby on Board” or “Children on Board” sign on your vehicle’s rear end window. It might not wholly prevent accidents from happening, but it does caution other drivers to be more careful around your vehicle.

Imagine this – you are in a rush to either get in or get out of a parking lot but in your rush to do so, you get involved in a parking lot car accident. Because of your “rush” situation, you try to get everything over and done with. Nobody wants to get involved in car accidents since they take time out your busy schedule and can even result in injury…and nobody would want that as well. An ounce of prevention is always better than a pound of cure. Read on how you can avoid getting involved in a parking lot accident.

Drive Slowly

Experts agree that all drivers should slowly drive within a parking lot. This is also to your benefit if you are looking for a parking space since you can spot available parking spaces in-between the parked vehicles.

Be Alert of Your Surroundings

Turn off that radio and focus on your surroundings. Don’t lose focus and begin texting or calling on your cell phone. Keep in mind that pedestrians, particularly children, can suddenly dart out from in-between parked vehicles that may have hindered your vision.

Corners are a bit tricky since these are usually blind spots for any driver. Keep your eyes and ears peeled for possible oncoming vehicular traffic when passing through a corner. One good way to notify oncoming vehicles would be to quickly honk your horn for a few seconds.

Follow the Rules Of The Lot

Parking lots have signage and road symbols for a reason, to promote parking lot safety. As a responsible driver, you should strictly adhere to these rules. Don’t drive against the flow if you see an arrow painted on the road. The use of turn signals is also required when making turns within the parking lot.

Leave Plenty of Space When Parking

Road line markings are provided for a reason, which is to allow enough space for drivers and passengers to enter and exit the vehicle without causing accidental or intentional damage to the other parked vehicle. Park your vehicle in the correct allotted space while being mindful of the space in-between your vehicle and the others beside you. Don’t try to fit your vehicle into a parking space that leave almost no room for anyone to enter or exit their vehicle.

Visual Check Beforehand and Be Patient

Make it a habit to visually check that everything is all clear before proceeding to back out of a parking space. Don’t just rely on any of your mirrors to see that you are clear to back out. Exercise caution when backing as well. It is highly recommended that you slowly drive out of a parking space to avoid any sudden collision with oncoming vehicles or, even, pedestrians.

If you are planning to park into the space that another vehicle is backing out from, be sure to leave enough space for the other driver to maneuver. Common courtesy always goes a long way. On the other hand, if you still find yourself involved in a parking lot vehicle accident despite following the tips listed here, make sure that the incident has been reported to the proper authorities. Contact your insurance company to check for your coverage on parking lot vehicle accidents.

Did you know that one out of five vehicle accidents actually happen while you’re parked in a parking lot? Surprise? Don’t be! Studies have shown that drivers are more distracted when pulling out or driving into a parking lot. The main cause of distraction is no surprise as well. Studies reveal that attention to cell phones instead of focusing on the drive is the leading cause of distraction. Drivers tend to focus more on their cell phone when they are within the vicinity of a parking lot thinking that they are safe to do so. If you find yourself involved in a parking lot car accident, here’s what you can do.

What If There Is An Unknown Driver?

The last thing you want to see is your vehicle with damage that is clearly caused by another vehicle after a fulfilling shopping expedition. Unfortunately, since you are nowhere in the vicinity at the time it occurred, the other driver can simply drive away with no one the wiser. Our law firm doesn’t have a whole lot of experience dealing with drivers are unknown so asked a good friend and personal injury attorney Matthew R. Clark from The Clark Law Office about this exact situation and he offered the following suggestions:

If you find yourself in such a situation, check with your vehicle insurance provider if you have coverage for collision damage. Although it is often recommended, it is best to check and see if it would be more economical for you to shoulder the cost for minor damage repairs. Check with the parking lot owner for any security footage. You just might be able to get evidence such as the license plate of the car who collided with your vehicle. As proof of the collision, request for a copy of the security footage as well. Obviously, you should always contact a good local accident attorney who has experience dealing with these situations. If you have any other car accident injury questions for Matthew, it’s best to contact him via their company facebook page.

The Case of a Known Driver

First on the agenda would be to check for any injury caused by the collision. If needed, call for an emergency responder so proper treatment can be immediately given to the injured person. Exchange information such as contact numbers, names and addresses of everyone involved. Include witnesses, if any. Take note of the location, date, and time that the accident occurred including the make, model, and license plate number of the other vehicle.

Ask for information on the insurance company of the other driver as well as his or her insurance policy number. Regardless of the extent of injury, or absence of one, you should report the parking lot accident to the local police. This will serve as your protection in case any symptoms of injuries are exhibited a few days after the accident

Since it’s establishment in 1973, efforts have been made to revise and reform Michigan’s no-fault law. In 26 September 2017, House Bill 5013 was proposed in the Michigan Legislature as a part of the on-going efforts. Upon its proposal, House Bill 5013 was supposed to be a way to significantly reduce the rates for vehicle insurance for motorists of Michigan. This, however, had a significant downside. Thorough review of House Bill 5013 revealed so much more.

What the House Bill Would Have Realistically Done

It did not guarantee Michigan drivers a relief from high auto insurance costs. Unprecedented dollar cap limitations would have been authorized for no-fault benefits. The limit was actually set for a lifetime cap of $25,000 and in very rare cases emergency medical care would be limited only up to $225,000. Insurance companies be given authority to substantially control the medical care for a patient.

Legal rights of the patients would have been taken away while insurance companies would have more power on the victim’s claims. Children injured in an auto accident would have been denied lifetime care if their parents purchased an insurance with limited coverage for benefits. This is particularly true if the parents selected the $25,000 benefit cap. Victims of accidents cause by drunk, negligent, and even reckless drivers would be denied coverage claims from the at-fault driver for any uncovered medical expenses.

Additional Problems

Benefits for family-provided attendant care would be significantly reduced. Reimbursements for medical care providers who treated auto accident victims would be significantly reduced. Studies showed that it could have increased Medicaid costs to about $150 million yearly after 10 years. Legislative proposals such as House Bill 5013 are one of the reasons why people should be more aware of any law reform proposals. The good news is that House Bill 5013 was rejected by the Michigan House of Representatives held last 2 November 2017.

Could you imagine the nightmare you would have needed to face had House Bill 5013 successfully passed?

In 1973, Michigan adopted a no-fault accident system to increase the compensation benefits for injured persons involved in auto accidents.

Aims

Michigan’s no-fault system aimed to make sure that financial compensations are promptly paid.

It also aimed to decrease payments towards administrative and legal costs.

Uniqueness

Michigan’s no-fault system for auto accidents is unique in that it also encompasses vehicle damage.

Drivers in Michigan are required to purchase collision or comprehensive insurance (or both) that will cover their own vehicle damage.

Compensations

Provides the victim with unlimited benefits for medical and rehabilitation expenses.

Provides the victim with benefits for wage loss up to a maximum of three years.

Provides the victim with up to $20 per day for replacement services.

No Sue Policy

A nosue policy was implemented after the no-fault policy was applied in Michigan.

The only time a victim or their family can sue the other party in auto accidents would be if the accident led to serious injury or death.

Requirement

Every vehicle owner with a registered vehicle must have a basic vehicle insurance coverage to be issued a license plate.

Penalties

Drivers found to be driving vehicles with no-fault coverage would find themselves facing misdemeanor charges.

Drivers can be fined up to $500, sentence to jail for up to a year, or both.

Additional costs and fines pursuant to the 2003 Michigan’s Driver Responsibility Law can also be implemented.

Suspension of driver’s license up to 30 days or until proof is presented that you have a no-fault coverage.

Vehicle registration renewal can be delayed until proof of no-fault coverage is presented.

Other Issues Post Accident

Drivers can be sued, and they may have to pay for attorney and court fees.

Injury from auto accidents that involve vehicles with no-fault coverage may mean that you do not get compensated for any type of expenses. This includes loss of wages, medical bills, loss of services, and/or any other benefits that are usually awarded under no-fault coverage.

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Have you tried to apply for a no-fault insurance coverage but was denied by the insurance company? Contact us so we can help.

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With Michigan’s Personal Injury Attorneys, we are well versed in Michigan’s accident law that guarantees clients that they will receive the correct compensation that they are entitled to. We take on cases on a contingency basis. You don’t pay us unless we win the case for you.

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We are committed and dedicated to protecting the accident victim’s rights. Our law firm focuses on victims who have been involved in any type of accident such as auto accidents or work place accidents.